VehicleVerdict

2016 Toyota Prius electrical system problems

The 2016 Toyota Prius has 23 electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA — 11% of the year's total, and roughly flat versus the prior model year.

23

Electrical System complaints

11%

Share of year

0

Crash-involved

1

Related recalls

Electrical System complaints by year

Prius electrical system complaints by model year323 complaints2001: 28 complaints2002: 23 complaints2003: 16 complaints2004: 198 complaints2005: 219 complaints2006: 187 complaints2007: 323 complaints2008: 321 complaints2009: 89 complaints2010: 294 complaints2011: 87 complaints2012: 60 complaints2013: 58 complaints2014: 42 complaints2015: 27 complaints2016: 23 complaints2017: 12 complaints2018: 2 complaints2019: 4 complaints2020: 3 complaints2021: 1 complaints2022: 6 complaints2023: 5 complaints2024: 3 complaints2025: 5 complaints2026: 2 complaints
Prius electrical system complaints by model year. Red bars are years to avoid.

Related recalls

18V579000Electrical SystemSeptember 5, 2018 · 192,347 units

Defect

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Toyota Prius vehicles. A portion of the engine wire harness connected to the hybrid Power Control Unit (PCU), could contact the cover at this connection and wear, causing an electrical short circuit.

Consequence

An electrical short can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine wire harness assembly and replace it if damage is found. A protective sleeve or protective tape will be included to prevent any future damage. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began October 30, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is J0T.

What owners report

“THE COATING ON THE WIRING SYSTEM ATTRACTED RODENTS TO MY CAR, THE RODENTS ATE THROUGH THE ELECTRICAL AND TRIED TO NEST IN THE ENGINE BAY. THE RESULTS WERE MASSIVE SYSTEMS MALFUNCTIONS AND THE CAR WASN'T SAFE TO DRIVE. I HAD TO GET IT TOWED TO TOYOTA AND THEY STATED THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 18, 2016

Common questions

How many electrical system complaints does the 2016 Toyota Prius have?

NHTSA has 23 complaints about the 2016 Toyota Prius electrical system — 11% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2016 Toyota Prius electrical system?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the electrical system: 18V579000.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.